The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has said imports from Britain fell by almost two thirds in January after the UK left the European Union.
The latest trade statistics from the CSO reveal an immediate Brexit impact with the value of imports falling by 65 per cent - from €1.4 billion to €497 million - in January compared to the same month last year.
The fall-off was driven by declines in imports of food and live animals (-75 per cent) and mineral fuels (-71 per cent).
The CSO said a combination of factors contributed to the large reduction in imports from the Britain in January, including the challenges of complying with customs requirements.
Other factors included the stockpiling of goods in the final quarter of 2020 in preparation for Brexit, the substitution with goods from other countries, and a reduction in trade volumes due to the impact of Covid-19.
For more including on exports, reports The Irish Times here.
